We’ve been to the English Riviera! 🏝

When researching places to explore with a dog in and around Torquay, I found there wasn’t much online.. so I thought I’d compile a list of my findings! Without further a do, here are dog friendly activities in and around Torquay.

Torquay

The beach itself in Torquay is relatively small, and is affected by a seasonal dog ban from May until October. The Promenade, which is about half a mile total length, has plenty of space to walk along to the harbour.

Abbey Park – An open green space in front of Torre Abbey, with views of the sea front. Perfect for dogs to run around on. A useful thing to know, is that this area is not fenced, and borders a busy road.

Abbey Park has a rather lovely ornamental garden section, complete with bright flowers, palm trees, and places to sit down.

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The Kind Grind. A small, plant based cafe in the town centre. Very welcoming to dogs.

They are only open until 3/4pm.. I was a little dissapointed to miss out on lunch, as they stop serving this a 2pm.

This amazing chocolate & vanilla layered cake definitely made up for it… You’d never know it was vegan!

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• Torre Abbey Cafe – Only Guide Dogs are allowed in the Abbey & Museum, but the cafe welcomes dogs.
• The Singing Kettle – Dogs welcome
• Visto Lounges – Dogs welcome
• Jingles – Welcomes dogs during quieter evenings, request that you give them advance notice so they can accommodate you.
• Las Iguanas allows dogs in their outdoor seating

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Cockington Country Park & Village

Visiting out of season allowed us to explore the Cockington Court grounds, and surrounding woodland almost undisturbed.

This chocolate box village is somewhat of a honey-pot in busy summer months, but there are multiple parking options, and it can be reached on foot from Torquay in 35 minutes.

There are a few places to eat in the village, where dogs are welcome. Including, The Drum Inn and Cockington Court Tea Rooms.

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Berry Head Nature Reserve & Guardhouse Cafe

My top tip for this walk is not to come on the weekend! It’s no wonder why it was so busy with views like these.

This walk starts at Berry Head, and follows the South West Coastal Path round towards Sharkham Point. You can extend your walk as far as you wish, either heading for Brixham, or Kingswear.

The Guardhouse Cafe, is a lovely place, with options for all dietary needs, welcoming to dogs and with indoor and outdoor seating. We visited on a Sunday, and it’s clearly a popular place!

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Brownstone to Coleton Camp & Coleton Fishacre

You really can’t beat a National Trust walk! Park either at Brownstone, or Coleton Fishacre and begin your walk following a country lane towards the sea.

We quickly approached a rather unusual landmark in the middle of a field.

Called The Daymark, this was built in 1864 to guide mariners to the position of the Dartmouth Harbour entrance.

Exploring the old Battery was fascinating, with old armeries and lookouts. I highly recommend this to explore with your dog, so much to explore, and you can walk as far as you like.

The views out to sea are dramatic and breathtaking, keep an eye out for the Dartmoor Ponies on the trail.

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Coleton Fishacre Gardens

I was pleasantly surprised to find dogs are allowed in the formal gardens in Coleton Fishacre (on -lead).

Understandably dogs are not permitted in the House. I thought this sign was rather amusing!

The Cafe has outdoor seating available should you wish to stop for a cup of tea with a dog in tow, they even sell dog treats and poo bags in the gift shop!

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That’s all folks! I hope this mini dog-friendly guide helps you plan your trip. Where’s your favourite spot in Torquay?

Thank you for reading our blog,

Amy & Tilly